The National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) Temple student chapter leadership includes students (top row, from left) Shemar Mills ’25, Aria Watson ’25, Samara Jenkins ’25, Ish-pierry Momplaisir ’26, Blake Strong ’25, Lance Ajayi ’26, (middle row, from left) Rosa Jeudy ’26, Chrisannan Pierre ’26, Feran Elliott ’26, Sanaa Snyder ’26, (bottom row, from left) Whitnee McCalla ’27, Ivy Dieujuste ’26, Makiyah Jones ’25 and Alisha Guillaume ’26. (Photos courtesy of NABA)
Today, through her involvement with the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) Temple Student Chapter, she’s accomplished just that.
And, as the chapter’s president, she’s done even more.
“It’s not an understatement to say that one of the reasons I came to Temple was because of the NABA student chapter,” Jones, class of 2025, says.
“I remember when I first researched the chapter’s success and involvement within the community, I knew it was the space for me to be in.”
One of the longest-standing Student Professional Organizations (SPO) at Temple University’s Fox School of Business, the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) Temple University Student Chapter has positively impacted the lives of students for decades through promoting inclusive culture and helping them shape their educational experience for their careers ahead. Dedicated to the mission of “bridging the gap for Black students who are looking to find success within the fields of accounting, finance and general business,” the group is proud to be among the many active SPOs at the Fox School.
The group is led by Jones, who first joined the group as a corresponding secretary in her freshman year. The chapter is proud to be an affiliate of the national NABA nonprofit organization.
“We are so grateful to be affiliated with the national chapter, and I am proud that we havefollowed their guidance to create a space where students can build a community, learn from each other, work with one another and, excitedly, empower future Black business leaders from Temple University,” Jones says.
“An important message I instill in our members is an understanding of how powerful it is for them to be part of an organization that has a platform to enhance skills and elevate voices.”
A highly active chapter, the group offers a wide array of educational and professional development-based experiences to their membership base, including assisting in students finding internships. Some examples from their event catalogue include hosting workshops, networking nights, speaker or company meet and greets, community initiatives and more.
“Through our events, we believe we allow our members to get a feel for what their professional lives could look like,” Jones says. “Our programming—including case study competitions, firmoutings, hosting conversations with lead professionals and exclusive company tours—are just a few of experiences that can help condition and equip our members with the tools they need to excel professionally.”
The SPO’s dedication doesn’t just benefit its membership base, the whole Fox community shines through its efforts and student leadership. Recent charitable work included raising money for the Double Good Kids Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting children with disabilities and participating in a community service event on Martin Luther King Jr. Day with Caring for Friends, a nonprofit providing food and friendship to seniors, kids and families in the Greater Philadelphia region.
“NABA exposes students to career opportunities in accounting, finance and technological innovation in a welcoming environment that values cultural identity. In essence, NABA produces business leaders.”
Beyond this, a pillar of the group’s events efforts is its annual Temple NABA Student Symposium. Hosted during Black History Month, the symposium is an enriching event dedicated to showcasing the professional development, networking and community engagement of the group.
“This year was our group’s fifth annual symposium and was built around the theme of ‘Torchbearers and Trailblazers,’ honoring the legacy of Black professionals who have paved the way and continue to inspire future generations,” Jones says.
Notably, the event was attended by Guylaine Saint Juste, the president and chief executive officer of the NABA professional association.
“We were incredibly honored and thankful to have Madam Saint Juste attend and showcase her support for our chapter,” Jones says. “The event was a fantastic way to celebrate the current students in our group, honor the legacy of alumni that came before us and encourage more students to join.”
Their efforts continue to impress the entire Fox community.
“The Temple NABA chapter was established in 1981 and has a rich history of serving Fox students and producing accomplished Owl alumni who have made an outsized impact in accounting and business—this current group of students continues that tradition through their leadership,” says Wayne Williams, associate professor of instruction and faculty advisor of the group.
“NABA exposes students to career opportunities in accounting, finance and technological innovation in a welcoming environment that values cultural identity. In essence, NABA produces business leaders.”
While Jones, who has accepted a post-graduate offer with the Ernst & Young accounting company, prepares for graduation this spring, she leaves NABA on the path to continued success because of her leadership.
“Our chapter has produced a multitude of business leaders and are bound to do so in the years ahead,” Jones says. “We have the key to ensuring that future accounting and finance professionals maintain an appropriate moral compass and take part in creating a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive through focusing on education, entrepreneurship and enterprise.”
To learn more about the National Association, visit their website or Instagram account page: @nabatemple